News

I was a battered wife until Jenni saved me

A VICTIM of domestic abuse has said that her life was saved by women’s refuge founder Jenni Manners, who has died after a long battle with cancer.

Messages of appreciation have been flooding in for Jenni , who died on August 25 at the age of 60 .

Jenni, who ran the Swindon Women’s Refuge, was regarded nationally as an expert on the subject of domestic violence and rape, and helped hundreds of women overcome it.

Christine Cooper, 64, of Penhill , was at the refuge in 1982 and stayed there for 16 months and paid Jenni the highest tribute.

“She has actually saved my life. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be alive. I was a battered wife,” she said. “Jenni was absolutely brilliant. I was frightened to walk from one room to another. She
repaired me back up again. She used to take me to her room.”

Jenni first became involved with the voluntary group that set up the refuge as a 24-year-old single mother after suffering abuse during her own marriage.

Tributes have also been paid on the Adver’s website.

‘Llittlesue’ said: “RIP Jenni. 12 years ago I needed the help and support of Jenni and the refuge. Jenni helped me turn my life around, a truly inspirational woman. A sad loss to Swindon.”

“It’s a true saying ‘Only the good die young’. RIP Jenni. Thankyou for helping me and my son all those years ago. Blessed Be.”

‘On my soap box’ said: “Such sad news, Jenni helped me so much when I lived in the refuge for a very long time about 24 years ago with my small children who were 18 mths and 3. I am deeply saddened
by this tragic news and will be attending her funeral to pay my respects to a truly amazing lady.”

Jenni received an MBE in 2003 in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour List.

Her funeral will be held on September 14 at Kingsdown Crematorium at 1.30pm.

Among the people remembering her life will be former Thamesdown Mayor Doreen Dart , who has helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the Swindon Women’s
Refuge with the Marriott Charity Ball.

She also helped to raise funds for the refuge during her time as mayor.

“I have known Jenni for many many years. She is going to be missed terribly,” said Doreen.

“Jenni was absolutely fantastic, she was full of fun and humour.

“I used to visit at Christmas to give little gifts for people who were on the premises. It was always packed full.”

Jenni will be a lady sorely missed in Swindon. When working as a civil servant in Swindon I had cause to call upon Jenni's help many times. She was a fantastic lady with a committment to the hostel that was second to none. Rest in Peace.

Jenni will be a lady sorely missed in Swindon. When working as a civil servant in Swindon I had cause to call upon Jenni's help many times. She was a fantastic lady with a committment to the hostel that was second to none. Rest in Peace.Fcman1

i first lived in the old refuge in what i now think is Dammas lane in 1977, i was among the first children to move to the new refuge Jenni was amazing, we literally left in what we were wearing, no clothes, toy's or pets but at least we were safe, amazing woman what an inspiration, A BLESSING in dark times, be at peace xx

i first lived in the old refuge in what i now think is Dammas lane in 1977, i was among the first children to move to the new refuge Jenni was amazing, we literally left in what we were wearing, no clothes, toy's or pets but at least we were safe, amazing woman what an inspiration, A BLESSING in dark times, be at peace xxemma356@sky.com